Man United discovered their most important player after Erik ten Hag tactic vs Man City

"Where will Bruno Fernandes play?" That was the question almost all of us were asking ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley.

After starting as a 'false nine' in the preceding games against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was obviously experimenting ahead of the clash with Manchester City. The Reds won both games and Fernandes more than played his part.

But Rasmus Hojlund's contributions from the bench in both fixtures meant he had put himself in the frame for a recall. His goal on the final day of the season at Brighton increased his tally to 16 goals for the season.

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But as tempted as Ten Hag may have been to restore his leading marksman to his forward line, the Dutchman kept faith in Fernandes to lead the attack for the third game running. He was supported by Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford either side of him.

Ten Hag's decision to elect the United captain to lead from the front was a tactic to try and stifle City through the middle as best they could. United knew they would have to surrender the bulk of the possession to their neighbours, meaning they would have to make life as difficult as possible for them.

With Fernandes leading from the front, it gave United an extra body in a central area. He operated closer to the likes of Scott McTominay and Kobbie Mainoo than Hojlund would have done.

Despite United's refusal to get right on top of City every time they had the ball deep inside their own half, Fernandes, supported by McTominay, Rashford and Garnacho, attempted to cut passing